Cristian Chivu explains how Manuel Akanji is adapting to totally different circumstances and Inter convey their ‘exceptional want to be taught’ after a
The Nerazzurri secured their title as Winter Champions with a midweek win over Lecce, and it was one other slender success this afternoon on the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.
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Lautaro Martinez struck early on by changing the Francesco Pio Esposito help, and that proved sufficient to take revenge on an Udinese aspect that had overwhelmed them 2-1 at San Siro in August.
Chivu sees Inter progress on this new period
UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his workforce’s first objective throughout the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photograph by Timothy Rogers/Getty Photographs)
“I’ve 4 strikers who’re working very effectively collectively, they full one another, and put themselves on the disposal of the workforce,”
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It remained 1-0 to the tip, permitting Udinese to push onerous within the closing levels, however Inter saved a clear sheet and at one level pushed Manuel Akanji right into a defensive midfield place.
“That may be an answer once we are struggling and the opponents are pumping lengthy balls into the field, because it provides us that physicality to defend the field,” defined Chivu.
“The entire workforce is working so effectively defending the defence recently, beginning with the excessive press, or when required defending deep. We actually need to hold this mission going, be aggressive and proceed a season that’s not dangerous.
“After I was a participant, I too performed in entrance of the defence typically. Sadly, I don’t have the bodily construction of Akanji. Perhaps I had extra high quality, however in these closing 5 minutes, you’ll want to battle onerous.
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“I additionally really feel that Yann Bisseck is beginning to perceive his position and defend higher.”
UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his workforce’s first objective throughout the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photograph by Timothy Rogers/Getty Photographs)
Inter at the moment are assured to remain no less than three factors clear on the prime of the desk, awaiting the opposite outcomes of the weekend.
It’s a exceptional turnaround contemplating what number of critics felt they have been doomed after dropping 2-1 at dwelling to Udinese in August.
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“It isn’t simple for a workforce to alter what it was accustomed to, to regulate these habits,” defined Chivu.
“We began with the doubling up of gamers, from the need of the midfielders to duel with defenders and hold a excessive line, realizing which means leaving some area in behind and working these dangers.
“If we spend a lot of the coaching classes within the video room, it’s as a result of there isn’t a lot time to organize, however the want to be taught from this workforce is exceptional.
“I praise everybody, as a result of they’re at our disposal and need to put our concepts into motion on the sphere.”
UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Carlos Augusto of FC Internazionale defends in opposition to Alessandro Zanoli of Udinese throughout the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photograph by Timothy Rogers/Getty Photographs)
In the meantime, they have to flip their focus again in direction of the Champions League and the upcoming conflict with Premier League leaders Arsenal.